February 21, 2024
Chris Compendio/PhillyVoice
Electronic 'skill game' kiosk machines are prevalent in small grocery stores in Philadelphia, with many of the machines sold by Georgia-based software company Pace-O-Matic. The software company intends to file a lawsuit over the legislation.
Philadelphia City Council is considering a bill that would prohibit electronic skill games, which resemble slot machines seen in casinos, from corner stores and gas stations.
Councilmember Curtis Jones introduced the potential ordinance, which passed unanimously through the City Council's Committee on Public Safety.
The bill would make it unlawful for businesses to "operate any casino-style or skill game" that has cash involved and is unregulated by the state. Due to the lack of regulation, the city is unsure how many machines are at businesses and where they are.
Businesses that don't have a liquor or gambling license or 30 seats for serving food would be affected. Businesses that violate the rule if enacted into law would receive a fine of $1,000.
Jones argued at Tuesday afternoon's committee hearing that the machines attract loiterers, potentially leading to crime, addiction and violence.
Proponents of the bill, including Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, cited the Jan. 26 incident inside a North Philly corner store when Alexander Spencer shot a police officer before being shot and killed himself. Police encountered Spencer inside the store at one of the machines.
However, local business owners who have skill machines argue that they bought the machines with the understanding that they were legal purchases. Business owners also cite the additional income that the machines bring them.
Software company Pace-O-Matic, which develops and sells skill machines, intends to file a lawsuit over the proposed law, 6ABC reports.
Statewide, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed in his budget that skill machines be legalized but with a 42% revenue tax collected by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The budget estimates that the tax could bring $150.4 million to the state annually.
Jones's bill has 10 sponsors, including himself, so it has the support of the majority of City Council members, making its passage appear likely.
